Short Communication: A Rapid Assessment of Vertebrate in Pasir Timbul-Sungsang IV, Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

The mangrove forest in Pasir Timbul, Sungsang IV Village, Banyuasin Regency, part of mangrove area within the Air Telang Protected Forest Area, is experiencing pressure from changes in land cover. A rapid survey to determine the vertebrate diversity in Pasir Timbul, at the tip of the Air Telang Protected Forest area was conducted in early June 2023. The purpose of the survey is to propose species priority in conservation within context species and habitat management plan. Vertebrate surveys were carried out rapidly using several methods adapted to certain taxa levels, namely amphibians and reptiles, fish, birds and mammals. Priority for fauna conservation in the Air Telang Protected Forest (study area) for reptiles: Crocodylus porosus (Protected under Indonesian law), Fishes: Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Endangered by IUCN), Birds: Anhinga melanogaster (Protected), Haliastur indus (Protected), Microhierax fringillarius (Protected), Rhipidura javanica (Protected), and Mammals including the long-tailed macaque Macaca fascicularis (Endangered), langurs Trachypithecus cristatus (Vulnerable), and Prionailurus sp. Conservation efforts need to be increased because this area as buffer zone of Berbak Sembilang National Park, having high carbon absorption, and provide a breeding ground for fish, shrimp and crabs. It is clear the site is habitat for various fauna (including protected ones), as well as other ecological functions such as breaking waves, resisting seawater intrusion and abrasion.